ABOUT ME
Hello! I’m Dr. Alicia Hawley-Bernardez, PhD, LMSW, supervised by Dr. Jennifer Vasquez, LCSW-S. I am passionate about helping women navigate life transitions, identity challenges, and mental health concerns. I specialize in working with women across diverse life stages and backgrounds, providing culturally attuned and empowering therapy. In my work, I emphasize self-esteem, resilience, and personal growth, focusing on issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and work-life balance.
“NOBODY CARES HOW
MUCH YOU KNOW UNTIL
THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE.”
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
MY PHILOSOPHY
The thought-provoking quote by Theodore Roosevelt guides me in my work as a therapist, reminding me that genuine compassion and empathy are the foundation of a strong therapeutic relationship. It inspires me to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. By maintaining a client-centered approach, I demonstrate care, assume goodwill, foster inclusivity and respect, practice transparency, communicate openly, and maintain strict confidentiality.
In therapy, assuming goodwill translates into taking the time to truly listen to clients, understanding their unique concerns, struggles, and perspectives, and offering them the benefit of the doubt. This approach allows me to build trust and connection, empowering clients to navigate their challenges and work toward their goals with confidence and resilience.
I believe that every individual has the strength and potential to overcome challenges and thrive. My work is rooted in compassion, empathy, and a deep respect for each person’s unique journey. I strive to create a safe, inclusive space where clients feel empowered to explore their identities, navigate life transitions, and foster personal growth. Healing begins with connection, and my goal is to walk alongside clients as they build resilience and reclaim their strength.
MY EXPERTISE
I focus on supporting women through various phases of life, addressing identity struggles, mental health needs, and significant life changes. My areas of expertise include:
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Therapy/Counseling: Providing personalized support to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and work-life balance.
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Consultation: Offering professional guidance for individual and organizational well-being.
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Speaking Engagements: Delivering empowerment talks on mental health, resilience, and mindfulness.
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Mindfulness & Stress Management: Teaching techniques to enhance well-being and reduce stress.
In addition to my clinical work, I am actively engaged in research. My current projects explore the prevention of gun violence, intimate partner violence, mindfulness in social work education, self-care among students in online environments, the use of AI in social work education, and best practices for online teaching. I aim to contribute to the field by advancing knowledge and informing practice in these critical areas.
MY APPROACH
My therapeutic approach is collaborative, client-centered, and tailored to meet each individual’s needs. I integrate evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe negative thought patterns, Solution-Focused Therapy to build on strengths, and Mindfulness Techniques to promote self-awareness and grounding.
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I prioritize building a trusting relationship through open communication, inclusivity, and confidentiality. Guided by the belief that genuine care is essential for healing, I strive to help clients feel seen, heard, and supported as they work toward their goals with confidence and resilience.​
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I am especially passionate about supporting BIPOC women and LGBTQ+ individuals, offering a safe and affirming space to explore identity, mental health challenges, and self-acceptance. Additionally, I work with women in high-stress professions such as healthcare and education, providing tools to manage stress, prevent burnout, and achieve greater balance. I also focus on maternal mental health and supporting women through the challenges of parenting.
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Trauma recovery is another key area of my work. I help survivors of domestic violence, childhood abuse, and other traumatic experiences heal, reclaim their strength, and move forward with empowerment. For women in midlife and beyond, I provide guidance in navigating aging, life transitions, and self-discovery with resilience and compassion.
CONTACT ME
Ready to begin your journey? We offer free 15-minute consultations! ​​
CALL OR TEXT:
817-381-6866
E-MAIL ME:
